KKHO Update

As the headline might give away, I will be taking a more “official” break from my blog for the next few months. I have not been a stranger to admitting that in the past year, I just have not been able to dedicate the time that I would like to my blog and it’s been a harsh reality for me to swallow. I absolutely love keeping up with the royals, writing about them and using Keep Calm and Harry On as a platform to discuss my royalist ways with those who share my passion for the firm, but one thing I absolutely hate is doing things halfway.

I will be temporarily relocating to the West Coast of the US, and if I thought a 5 hour time difference + a full time job made this tough enough, I just know I will fall even further behind with an 8 hour gap, so I am going to use this opportunity to step back and hit the royal refresh button.

I have never been shy about the fact that this is a fun hobby for me, not my real job and as much as I wish it were not the case, my royal blogger double life takes a backseat more often than I would like. I will still keep up on Twitter (although the live tweeting will fall fewer and further between given the time difference) so please do keep up the conversation over @RoyalReview.

So, between now and early spring, any blog posts will be a special bonus – like to announce my engagement to Harry. Hmm, is moving across the country the real story or am I perhaps covering up my impending royal engagement to throw you all off the scent?

For now, I will leave you with this. xx

Happy 31st Birthday Prince Harry!

It’s the best day of the year – Prince Harry’s birthday! Why is this the best day of the year? Well, for starters we get to celebrate Harry all day long and not be judged for it (because apparently celebrating some guy you don’t know the other 364 days of the year isn’t totally sane.. #debatable). Secondly, Harry’s birthday is the only other birthday other than my own that I get a present to. And by “present” I mean the gift of Harry’s life.

Okay, I *may* be taking this a little too far…

Bonus round: His birthday is made even better this year as he returns to public engagements after he spent the summer in Africa saving wild life and being an all-around baller prince. HRH is in Sussex today for a Battle of Britain flypast, that’s right – he’s taking to the skies. And after Harry the birthday aviator calls it a day, we have a month of Rugby World Cup engagements and a trip to America to look forward to. Hazza, you are just the gift that keeps on giving..

Hip Hip for Harry! Hope you have the happiest birthday ever. XOXO

63 Reasons Why Queen Elizabeth II is an Absolute Legend..

…and we are all just mere mortals.

By now it is no secret that Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest reigning monarch today, September 9, 2015, at approximately 5:30pm (GMT). After living life in the public eye since she was born in 1926 and as of today, has reigned for approximately 23,226 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes, we certainly know quite a lot about Her Majesty. However, no good icon would live up their status without a few mysteries, and The Queen is no different. In honor of her 63 + years on the throne, here are 63 Reasons Why Queen Elizabeth II is an absolute legend.

1. She doesn’t need a passport..because she issues them.
2. She drives a Range Rover… #cargoals.
3. She has her own bagpiper. #lifegoals #myfavoritesound
4. She worked as a mechanic during World War II
5. 12 Prime Ministers have come for audiences during her 63 years
6. She is patron of over 600 charities
7. Her house has its own post office..and atm
8. She has official residences in more than one country
9. As of 2012, she answered more than 3.5 million pieces of correspondence
10. Someone once gifted her an elephant
11. She has launched 21 ships during her reign 23 in lifetime
12. She sent a tweet in 2014 and broke all kinds of records #canigetafavorite #followback
13. She has two birthdays. Her real day of birth, and her official celebration.
14. She has 30 godchildren
15. During her Silver Jubilee she toured 36 countries in a year #frequentfliermilegoals
16. She introduced a new breed of dog.. my sister is still trying to convince my parents to buy her one at the age of 25.
17. She counts President George H.W. Bush as a personal friend, and he is her favorite president – MINE TOO. Well, the favorite prez thing, we are not BFF.
18. She introduced the first royal walkabout in New Zealand in 1970. Imagine what we would do without royal walkaboats?!
19. She was the first British monarch to visit China
20. She sent her first email 1976 from an army base. Pretty sure I sent mine in between games of the Sims and Minesweeper from my living room.
21. She received a pope john Paul II in 1982, making her the first monarch to revive a pope in 450 years
22. She has about 25 horses training every season. I don’t even have my “My Little Pony” collection now
23. She launched Buckingham Palace’s official website in 1997. I was busy waiting in line for *NSYNC tickets
24. She hosted the first women’s only event at Buckingham Palace. Who run the world? Queen Beyonce WHO? We have a real Queen here.
25. She invited the West End musical Les Miserables to perform at Windsor Castle. I can’t eveng get tickets to see The Audience on Broadway..
26. Her coronation was the first major international event broadcasted on TV
27. She had 100 new custom made outfits for her first Commonwealth tour
28. Her horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2013, making her the first ruuling monarch in the event’s history to win
29. She technically owns dolphins. When I was younger, I used to ask for a dolphin as a pet and didn’t understand why we couldn’t keep one in our pool…
30. She joined Facebook in 2005. I wasn’t allowed to join until I had my college email addressed confirmed in 2006.
31. The Queen, along with Prince Philip, became the first ruling monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary
32. In an average year she welcomes approximately 50,000 people to Buckingham Palace.
33. She has sent than 45,000 Christmas cards during her reign. My family Christmas card is hanging in the local pizza place. (Hi Nunzio’s!)
34. She drinks a cup of tea every day at 7:30 am. Just like my mom!
35. According to her cousin Margaret Rhodes, her alcohol intake never varies. Ah, if only everyone had the much control.. #college
36. Her Majesty’s daily drink schedule technically makes her a binge drinker by government standards.
37. She learned to drive when she joined the army
38. Her message to Apollo 11 astronauts was literally placed on the moon
39. She has owned more than 30 corgi
40. She introduced theme days to celebrate British cultur
41. She once demoted a footman for giving her corgis whisky.. can I have this kind of power please
42. She collected clothing coupons for her wedding dres
43. She gets a gun salute and a fly past for her birthday party
44. She has given assent to more than 3,500 acts of parliament
45. She owns every breeding pair of mute swans in Britain
46. She has seen 6 Archbishops of Canterbury
47. She’s an Arsenal fan. YES
48. According to her grandsons, Ali G gives her the giggles
49. She talks with her hands. I get crap for this all the time, especially since I’m not Italian. I bet she doesn’t. 
50. SHE IS ON THE MONEY
51. She was the first British monarch to visit Republic of Ireland since Irish independenc
52. She has done a Christmas message every year except for 1969. We send Christmas texts
53. She likes Scottish country dancing. QEII, I challenge you to a duel on Just Dance
54. Despite her status, she snuck out and celebrated VE Day with the London crowd
55. She has NINE Royal thrones. I have to call “fives” every time I vacate my seat at a family part
56. She is apparently very good at impressions
57. She apparently excels at solitaire. It is my life goal to win a game
58. About 1,200 people work royal household.. can I just get a cleaning lady please?
59. She loves Downton Abbey. AKA – she’s just like us! #doyouthinkshecriedwhenmatthewdied
60. People fall at her feet, literally. I mean, have you seen Margaret Thatcher’s curtsy
61. She doesn’t have to pay taxes, but she does anyway
62. She has sat for about 130 portraits
63. She is the longest reigning British monarch. Case. Closed.

..and that’s not even the HALF of it. 

Congratulations Your Majesty, you are an inspiration and a legend. We’re all just lucky to be around for the ride…

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

 

Reigning Wisdom

There is a lot of talk happening at the moment about Queen Elizabeth II, her life, her reign, her greatest moments, and of course, how it all stacks up against Queen Victoria, whom she will surpass as Britain’s longest reigning monarch on Wednesday. Yes, there are quite a lot of similarities and much room for comparison – both not destined to be monarch at birth yet taking on the title at a young age, both have been a steady presence through trying times, both have faced tragedy and most of all, both have inspired despite all of the difficult moments and questionable times throughout their respective reigns.

Monarchs are a beacon of hope, and both longest reigning queens have had their fair share of  inspirational moments. By now you should all know that I’m a sucker for a good quote and I couldn’t think of a better way to demonstrate just how inspirational both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II have been.

Queen Victoria

“The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.”

“We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.”

 

 “Do not let your feelings of momentary irritation and discomfort be seen by others. Don’t let every little feeling be seen on your face or read in your manner.”

“I never imagined that I should find so much love on Earth…” – Queen Victoria on Prince Albert… GOALS.

Queen Elizabeth II

“I have to be seen to be believed.”  – on wearing bright colors – STYLE icon.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”  

“It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult.”

 “Peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women.”

Let’s be honest, I could go on for 63 years about the ways these two women have inspired not only their realm, but the world. But, it’s Friday of a holiday weekend here (better known as a bank holiday to my British friends), and it’s time for a gin and tonic.. just as The Queen would command!

Beloved Royal Residences from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II

In case you’ve been living under a rock (a very large rock), you will know that next Wednesday, one week from today, marks the date Queen Elizabeth II will surpass Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. And unless you’ve been living under an even bigger rock (the biggest one that’s ever existed), you will know that a lot has changed in Britain since Queen Victoria reigned. Something that has remained a constant, however, are the majestic residences the royals call “home.” With the help of VisitBritain, what better time to take drool over some of these iconic residences?

If you have ever been to Britain, chances are you have popped by to say hello at one of the famous royal residences across England and Scotland (okay, not really, you can’t actually go inside and talk to The Queen when you visit). In fact, forty-eight percent of all holiday visitors to Britain visit a castle or stately home during their visit.

The Evolution of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, via VisitBritain Images

It was recently announced that Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s official residence in London, would be undergoing some much needed renovations. Makes sense given that Buckingham Palace was originally the home of the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and Queen Victoria moved in when she took the throne more than a century later. Wouldn’t it be amazing if HGTV could get the rights to this for an episode of House Hunters International? Hello, the monarchy? This needs to happen.

As the first resident of Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria made several renovations that transformed the palace into the icon the world knows today. Perhaps the largest of which being the addition of the balcony that has seen countless appearances by the Royal Family – from weddings to jubilees and everything in between –  since the first one took place in 1851. Us royal watchers LOVE a good balcony appearance.

Balmoral Castle – AKA, Heaven in The Highlands

Balmoral Castle – VisitBritain Blog

Balmoral Castle, which Queen Victoria once dubbed, “my dear paradise in the highlands,”  and it is so easy to say why. Beautiful castle in one of the most serene areas of the UK? Sign me up please! Which is exactly what The Queen did, as she and her family use it as their summer retreat. Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (the best thing a guy ever bought for me was pizza). The  grounds, gardens and Castle Ballroom are open for visitors April through the end of July annually. Get up there, it’ll be worth it!

Forever Victoria’s Home

Kensington Palace, via Keep Calm and Harry On

Kensington Palace – where does one begin? I LOVE this place. Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on May 24, 1819 and it has remained a treasured royal residence since. The State Rooms opened to the public on The Queen’s birthday in 1899 – what a good queen, giving unto others on her special day! Many years and many visitors have passed since then, yet Kensington Palace has remained in the spotlight as a home for the royal family. Among many other royals, Prince William and Prince Harry were raised within the palace walls and still live there to this day, with The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge calling it their official London residence with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.  Can’t wait to call it home when I marry Prince Harry.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Britain in the coming weeks, be sure to stop by Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace to see a special exhibition put on by The Royal Collection Trust, ‘Long To Reign Over Us’, showcasing official photographs capturing Her Majesty undertaking visits in the UK and across the Commonwealth and informal family moments from 1952 to present day.

 

Prince Harry is Hitting the Road! (HI, AMERICA!)

After months of Prince Harry hiding away (and saving the wildlife world NBD) in Afirca, Kensington Palace took pity on us Harry fans and announced today that the young royal will be hitting the road this fall. On the docket is another trip to Africa (sensing a theme here, H), but up first – that other red, white and blue… AMERICA!

Prince Harry will visit Washington D.C. at the end of October (exact dates to be confirmed), for events leading up to his 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. That’s right, two US announcements in two months. And yes, Harry has visited Washington D.C. recently as well – 2013 Harry mania tour ring a bell? Harry, you should really just move here already.. we get it, you like us, we have said we like you too, just make it official already. Wait, am I talking about a visit or a relationship? Either way, we’re ready for you.

During his visit to Africa, which will take place November 26 – December 4, Prince Harry will visit South Africa and Lesotho. The visit to South Africa comes as a request from the FCO on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, while the visit to Lesotho will be on behalf of his charity, Sentebale. We all know what happens when Harry visits Lesotho for his charity. HRH is seriously making up for leaving us in the dark for this entire summer with America and babies in Africa.

The full announcement can be read here. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, please call the cardiac care units at your local hospitals to have your bed pre-made in preparation for the above activity.

Prince George Turns 2!

Happy second birthday to HRH Prince George of Cambridge!

Honestly, I feel like a gushing parent when I say this, but I can’t even believe it has been two years since we all had our eyes glued to a hospital door? I totally said the same thing last year, but whatever, I have zero chill when it comes to royal babies.

Looking back on what I hoped we would see from Prince George in his second year, none of it happened. Okay, kidding – his cheeks are still chubby so that’s all good. And he definitely has said his first word, we just didn’t hear it. No photo with Harry. NO PHOTO WITH HARRY. C’mon William and Kate give the people what they want!

However, despite that one tiny thing I am clearly very bitter about, we had some incredible moments from our favorite toddler this year. So many cute pictures. and videos. Playing outside at dad’s polo matches. MEETING HIS NEW LITTLE SISTER. His first balcony appearance. So many matching outfits with dad. So many. George has certainly developed a full blown personality this year; dare I say, a little reminiscent of a certain uncle he has yet to be publicly photographed with?

As expected, the Cambridge clan, aka the “lovely little family,” will be celebrating George’s birthday in private at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

Happiest of birthdays to our dearest Cheeks!

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Coming to America!

Before I even start this post, yes, I know I have been absent for two months and I feel TERRIBLY about this. Please forgive me.

Now, onto HAPPY news – Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are coming to the USA in 2016! After an incredibly successful first go in London in September 2014 (we’re talking Prince Harry’s 30th birthday), the games for service men and women are coming to Orlando, Florida. GET READY AMERICA. .

Announcing the winning host city in a video message (clearly recorded before he left for Africa), Prince Harry speaks proudly of last year’s inaugural games and his hopes for the games to come. Saying,  “I have no doubt that the USA will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show.” YES, HAZZA, YES. GO USA. GOD BLESS AMERICA. and all that stuff…

Over four hundred competitors from thirteen nations across the world competed in London last September over four days. This year, the event will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, May 8 – 12. Please tell me this means live broadcasts on ESPN….

And I can’t *not* bring up the obvious fact that the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is part of Walt Disney World. Ltierally all I want to see is Prince Harry drinking around the world in Epcot and posing with Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle. Suddenly yearning hard for my former life working and living at Walt Disney World…

You can read the Invictus Games’ full announcement here.

Hey Harry, How Are You Still Single?

Over the weekend, Prince Harry began a week-long tour of New Zealand and in typical Harry fashion, he is charming the pants off everyone in his royal wake. While my favorite Prince Harry tour will always be the USA two years ago to date (for obvious reasons), this one is already coming in close second. Everyone who already knew that Harry was the *ultimate* is just even more impressed with him, and the bandwagon Hazza fans are jumping on board so hard the wagon wheels have broken.

After looking at the evidence presented thus far from #RoyalVisitNZ, I have to ask – Harry, how on earth are you still single?

Exhibit A: #HarryWithKids

As I said in December, this is sooo a thing. And it’s seriously catching on. #HarryWithKids is the new black. Was that lame? Whatever, I don’t care. Everybody who is anybody knows that Harry absolutely kills it with the wee ones. He loves them. They love him. It is the cutest. THE CUTEST. And it has been out in full force in New Zealand. Sticking his tongue out at trouble making little rascals? Check. Bending down and taking a young girl’s hand? Check. Posing for photos with children? Check. Letting a group of school kids interview you? Check. Sidebar – Harry revealed to the kids that his favorite food is spaghetti bolognese soooo BRB excuse me while I learn how to cook that.

via Emily Nash, The Sun Newspaper, @emynash

Exhibit B: #HarryWithPuppies

Because Harry with one adorable thing (see exhibit a) isn’t enough, he decided to cuddle some puppies in New Zealand. Cool, thanks for that H… just gonna go in the corner and melt into a puddle of mush. Something that will not be a thing? #HarryWithTuataras..

via Emily Nash, The Sun Newspaper, @emynash

Exhibit C: Harry wants to be in love and have lots and lots of babies

Okay, I may be putting words in his mouth a little. BUT, Prince Charming did tell Sky News’ Rhiannon Mills that he wants someone to “share the pressure” of these royal tours with and he “wants kids now” but understands there is a “process you have to go through.” The internet then freaked out, seemingly every woman on Twitter volunteered as tribute to take on the role as Harry’s “special someone” and I’m over here all..

Oh hey, hi Harry I thrive under pressure. Seriously, it’s part of my real life job description. Just saying…

Exhibit D: #HarryWithSnacks

We last left Harry handing out cupcakes to crowds at University of Canterbury. CUPCAKES. They are only like, in my top three favorite foods of all time. Coming in third only to pizza and french fries (oh and now spaghetti bolognese, of course).

So, there you have it – Prince Harry, making it impossible for every guy in the world to impress a girl since 1984.

We have a name! HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge!

Was I actually 100% accurate in my prediction? I cannot believe it!

Two days after her birth, Britain’s beautiful baby princess has a name – HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge. What a gorgeous name for a gorgeous little girl.

Charlotte, who is the first Princess of Cambridge in 180 years, is also the first senior royal princess to be born in 65 years; it was only fitting that her name also have a truly significant family meaning.

via Emily Nash, @emynash, The Sun

So, what’s in a name?

Charlotte – a family name; George III was married to Charlotte, whom he had 15 children with. In fact, he bought Buckingham Palace for his wife. In a touching sentiment, it is also the female form of Charles, William’s father’s name, and Pippa Middleton’s middle name.

Elizabeth – this one is quite obvious and not a surprise at all for royal watchers. In addition to being Her Majesty’s first name, it is also the middle name of Kate and her mother Carole.

Diana – some thought this would be the child’s first name, others were betting a sure thing as a middle name and some thought they might stay away completely. I never thought it had a shot at a first name, but this beautiful tribute to William’s late mother, Princess Diana, is absolutely perfect.

A stunning name for a stunning little girl. Congratulations once again to the new Cambridge family of four!